One thing that defines Rutgers football this season is their strong defense. Ranked 14th in the country, the Knights D excels against the run and in keeping opponents out of the end zone.

National Rankings:

11th Rushing Defense

25th Pass Efficiency Defense

4th Scoring Defense (Big East Conference Leader in this category)

2nd Big East overall ranking

Big East Conference Rankings:

2nd Total Defense

2nd Rushing Defense

1st Scoring Defense

3rd Passing Efficiency Defense

Team Statistics:

321.3 average yards per game, total defense

441 tackles

21 sacks

16 interceptions

Players to watch for:

LB Khaseem Greene (SR)- Ranked 15th in the country for tackles, with 67 solo and 58 assisted, he led the Big East with an average of 10.42 tackles per game. He also has 5.5 sacks, two interceptions and a fumble return for a touchdown. Out of twelve games this season, he's had 10 or more tackles in seven of them.

Running Defense: Since Rutgers had one of the top rushing defenses at the beginning of the season, Rutgers will need to try to regain that spark against Virginia Tech. Players like Greene, Vallone, and junior Jamal Merrell are key to keeping the defense rolling.

Pass Defense: At this time, Rutgers CB Brandon Jones' status for the bowl game is not determined, after leaving the Louisville game with a lower body injury. This means teammates like Logan Ryan, who is currently ranked first in the conference and tied for eighth national in passes defended, may have to fill the void to stop Logan Thomas and the Hokies through the air.

About The Author

Devin BeahmDigital Media Assistant

Devin (State College, Pa.) joined FCSports in 2012 while attending the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida. She recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA where she majored in psychology and global studies.

Devin loves to spend her weekends watching her favorite teams: the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Celtics.